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Homeland Security
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Homeland Security
Our homeland security research program will use the lessons learned from the World Trade Center disaster to better protect people and property, enhance the safety of fire and emergency responders, and restore public confidence in the safety of tall buildings nationwide. BFRL researchers are investigating the building construction, the materials used, and the technical conditions that contributed to the outcome of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster. The results of this investigation could stimulate major changes in both U.S. building and fire codes and in engineering practice. The lessons to be derived from the investigation will serve as the basis for improvements in the way buildings are designed, constructed, maintained, and used; improved tools; guidance for industry and safety officials; revisions to codes, standards, and practices; and improved public safety. In addition to their investigation of the WTC disaster, BFRL researchers are conducting research in the Safety of Threatened Buildings Program to provide immediate guidance and tools to assess and reduce future vulnerabilities; to produce the technical basis for cost-effective changes to national practices and standards; and to better prepare facility owners, contractors, designers, and emergency personnel to respond to future disasters, natural or intentionally initiated. Contact: Shyam Sunder
Date
created:
April 24, 2002 |